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American  Dramatists  Series 

WEIGHED    IN 
THE    BALANCE 

A  Drama  in  Four  Acts 
BY 

MAY    F.   JAMES 


BOSTON:    THE   GORHAM   PRESS 

TORONTO:  THE  COPP  CLARK  CO.,  LIMITED 


Copyright,  1916,  by  May  F.  James 


All  Rights,  including  those  of  translation,  Reserved 


Printed  in  the  United  States  of  America 


The  Gorham  Press,  Boston,  U.  S.  A. 


TO 

H.R.M.   ALBERT 

KING   OF  THE    BELGIANS 
AND  HIS  HEROIC   PEOPLE 


372223 


PUBLISHER'S  NOTE 

The  following  play  is  made  more  remarkable 
by  the  fact  that  it  was  written  early  in  191 5 
and  therefore   possesses   a   prophetic   character. 


WEIGHED  IN  THE  BALANCE 


CHARACTERS 

Peace, 

War,  the  Devil  disguised  with  a  long  dark  cloak 
which   covers  his  costume. 

Frankinstein,  the  Military  Spirit  of  the  German 
Nation.  A  Woman  as  the  New  Germany 
takes  his  place  when  he  is  banished. 

Bellona,  Belgium. 

Florus,  France. 

Albion,  England. 

Rezia,  Russia. 

S  AVI  AS,  Servia. 

Janoah,  Japan. 

Italia,  Italy. 

Indiana,  Empire  of  India. 

Astra,  British  Australia. 

Columbia,  Canada. 

JuSTiciA,  America. 

A  Priest — ^A  Woman — Two  Spiritual  Beings. 

Costumes:     Each  Character  a  Type  of  the 
Country  He  Represents — As  Far  as  Possible. 


WEIGHED  IN  THE  BALANCE 


ACT  I 

Scene.  Open  space  surrounded  with  trees.  At 
back  of  stage  in  center  is  small  rise — rock  or 
hill — on  which  Peace  sits  brooding,  gazing 
into  the  distance — enter  War  dressed  as  the 
Devil  but  a  long  dark  cloak  covers  and  dis- 
guises him. 

WAR 

My  hands  are  empty  and  so  long  have  I  waited 
that  when  I  do  start  work,  it  will  be  as  Hell  let 
loose  in  this  world. 

PEACE 

{Turning  towards  him  sadly)  I  would  that  I 
could  always  reign.  But  I  see  my  time  has  not 
yet  come. 

WAR 

{Decidedly)  It  never  will  come,  if  this  mortal 
on  whom  I've  built  my  hopes  realizes  my  expecta- 
tions. 

PEACE 

{Sternly)  The  time  will  come  when  War  shall 
cease  to  be,  and  Right  and  Justice  will  rule  this 
world.     Mark  my  words. 

II 


12        WEIGHED  IN  THE  BALANCE 

WAR 

{Drawing  nearer  to  Peace)  Never,  never  shall 
that  time  come.  I  can  see  your  reign,  v^^hich  has 
been  already  too  long,  end  in  death  and  disaster. 
I  see  you  lie  amid  ruins — so  low^ — your  heart  pierced 
with  many  wounds  and  broken  with  the  horrors 
that  shall  come  to  pass.  And  hovering  over  you, 
I  see  an  Eagle,  strong,  powerful  and  relentlessly 
cruel. 

PEACE 

{Rising  and  wrapping  her  cloak  round  her)  Ah! 
Speak  not  thus.  I  will  intervene  between  the  Pow- 
ers— surely  they  will  stay  the  sword  of  Death! 
Who  is  this  mortal?  Tell  me  his  name,  in  whose 
hands  lies  the  fate  of  this  world? 

WAR 

His  name  is  Frankinstein  and  he'd  sell  his  soul 
— for  Power — and  through  me  he  shall  gain  Power 
and  immortal  fame.  Now,  you  must  depart  and 
leave  the  Field  to  me. 

PEACE 

{Speaking  as  a  prophet)  I  see  further  into  the 
Future  than  you.  A  nobler  and  a  purer  world,  like 
a  Phoenix,  shall  rise  from  the  ashes  of  the  present. 
Though  you  usurp  my  throne,  I  shall  return  and 
reign  again. 

WAR 

Hark!  Here  he  comes!  {They  draw  back  into 
shadows   of   trees — enter   Frankinstein.  ) 


ACT  I  13 

FRANKINSTEIN 

Methinks  the  time  is  ripe — and  yet  doubts  assail 
me — I  would  I  could  have  waited  another  two 
years!  To  be,  or  not  to  be.  That  is  the  question 
left  for  me  to  answer.  {Boldly)  And  I  will  an- 
swer it — and  my  answer  will  echo  o'er  a  thousand 
hills. 

PEACE 

{Drawing  near)  I  implore  you  to  consider  e'er 
it  is  too  late. 

FRANKINSTEIN 

{Staring  at  her)  Away!  Away!  I  want  none 
of  thee.  As  a  mask,  as  an  outward  form  thou  hast 
been  most  useful!  {Bowing  and  smiling  ironical- 
ly) Now  the  time  has  come  for  me  to  unveil  and 
show  to  the  nations  my  power,  my  strength  and  my 
omnipotence.     Away ! 

PEACE 

Drive  me  not  from  you,  for  one  day  you  will 
need  me  and  then  I  shall  not  come. 

FRANKINSTEIN 

I  want  you  only  when  I  bid  you  come,  and  that 
will  be  through  War.  I  shall  subdue  all  nations 
under  my  feet  and  then  you  shall  return  and  reign 
with  me,  the  acknowledged  lord  of  all.  Until  then 
— away ! 

PEACE 

Nay,  I  come  not  on  those  terms.  No  mortal  man 
can  do  as  you  say — and  live. 


14        WEIGHED  IN  THE  BALANCE 


FRANKINSTEIN 


God  is  with  me.  He  will  help  me.  He  has  al- 
ways been  obedient  to  me  and  all  things  have  gone 
well  up  to  now.  My  way  is  clear  and  the  star 
of  my  destiny  shines  brightly. 


PEACE 


(Very   sternly)    Speak   not   that   name  ^n   your 
vain  conceit.    Are  you  not  afraid  of  destruction  ? 


FRANKINSTEIN 

{Angrily)  Oh,  why  should  I  waste  words  with 
anything  so  trivial  and  weak  as  thou!  Away!  I 
cannot  do  with  thee  now*  God  is  on  my  side  and 
when  I  need  thee,  thou  may'st  return.  But  now — 
{Beckoning  to  War,  who  is  watching  impatiently) 
'Tis  thee  I  want.     Come! 


PEACE 

{Weeping  and  gliding  away  softly)  God  have 
mercy,  where  I  am  too  weak  to  help!  Ah  me! 
The  world  will  suffer.  My  heart  aches  with  pity. 
{Exits.) 

WAR 

{Drawing  near  with  a  smile — aside)  Surely  my 
time  has  arrived — 'tis  not  God,  but  me  whom  he 
needs — and  I  will  not  undeceive  him.  ( To  Frank- 
instein)  Well,  Sire — at  your  service?  {Bows  sar- 
castically.) 


ACT  I  15 

FRANKINSTEIN 

Come  nearer — take  my  commands.  I  want  a 
great  fear  of  me  and  my  power  to  pass  o'er  the 
land.     Hearest  thou  my  words? 

WAR 

{Smiling)  I  hear,  and  will  obey. 

FRANKINSTEIN 

Kill,  if  needs  must — kill,  kill,  destroy,  annihilate 
— only  through  fear  can  I  conquer.  Then  when  I 
have  subdued  all,  I  will  reward  you. 

WAR 

{Aside)  How  many  souls  shall  I  win  as  reward? 
Legions,  methinks!  {To  Frankinstein)  Your 
word  is  sufficient  and  my  reward  assured. 

FRANKINSTEIN 

Crush  the  weaker  first — sow  seeds  of  dissension 
wherever  you  go  and  discord  will  flourish  and  death 
shall  reign — but  I  and  my  followers  shall  live  to 
see  the  day  when  with  might  and  power  I  shall 
rule  the  world!  Away!  and  quickly  do  my  bidding 
— I  will  follow  and  watch. 

WAR 

{Saluting)  I  go.     {Hurries  away,  smiling.) 


i6        WEIGHED  IN  THE  BALANCE 


FRANKINSTEIN 

(Pacing  up  and  down  restlessly)  The  Day  has 
come!  The  Day  I  have  prayed  for  and  lived  for — 
surely  my  God  is  with  me.  My  own  people  are 
under  my  hand-r-my  women  have  bred  sons  innu- 
merable for  this  time  at  my  command,  men  who 
have  grown  from  their  birth,  as  the  seeds  sown  by 
Jason — iron  soldiers,  strong,  invincible,  forming  a 
great  machine  worked  by  me.  jAnd  they  will  fight 
to  the  last  and  obey  commands  without  thought  or 
reason.  I  have  but  to  set  the  machine  working  and 
nothing  can  stop  it.  Already  I  see  the  nations 
bowing  to  me  and  acknowledging  me  as  their  lord 
and  master.  Ah!  {Smiling  at  the  thought  and 
standing  still)  Where,  as  Napoleon  in  my  last  trial 
on  this  earth  I  failed — here,  as  Frankinstein,  I 
shall  conquer  and  live  to  annihilate  my  enemies 
and  with  God's  help  crush  the  world  under  my  feet. 
{Enter  War.) 

FRANKINSTEIN 

Well — the  news? 

WAR 

Sire,  Bellona  stands  at  Bay.  She  will  not  permit 
your  machine  to  pass  through  her  country — she  talks 
of  some  strange  virtue  called  "honor" — and  this 
holds  you  back. 

FRANKINSTEIN 

{Impatiently)  Honor!  And  what  is  that?  In  a 
time  like  this,  how  futile  to  speak  of  honor !    Noth- 


ACT  I  17 

ing  is  of  any  consequence  but  Strength  and  Might! 
We  waste  our  valuable  time  over  so  small  an  item 
— ^Ah!     Who  comes  here?     {Enter  Bellona.) 

BELLONA 

Sire,  what  means  this?  {Takes  out  paper  and 
hands  it  to  Frankinstein)  Your  name  is  here!  I 
beg  you  to  consider  before  you  violate  your  word 
and  promise. 

FRANKINSTEIN 

{Sarcastically — taking  paper  and  glancing  at  it 
carelessly)  And  what  is  this?  A  scrap  of  paper! 
And  of  what  value?  Why,  'tis  naught!  {Tears 
it  across  and  casts  pieces  down)  So  much  for  this 
piece  of  paper! 

BELLONA 

{With  a  start  of  incredulous  surprise)  What! 
You,  one  of  the  most  highly  educated  and  advanced 
in  the  world!     Have  you  no  sense  of  honor? 

FRANKINSTEIN 

{Angrily)  What  is  honor?  Mere  form!  A 
word,  old  fashioned — out  of  date.  You  are  behind 
the  times.  Sir  Galahad.  I  have  risen  above  such 
small  matters.  {Placing  his  hand  on  his  sword  in 
a  threatening  manner)  Now,  see  here,  my  machine 
has  orders  to  roll  on — should  you  or  your  people 
obstruct  my  right  of  way — it  must  follow  that  we 
crush  you  and  them.  In  no  wise  should  we  be  to 
blame  for  your  stupidity.  \  God  is  with  us  and  we 


i8        WEIGHED  IN  THE  BALANCE 

must  go  on!  Stand  aside,  and  you  will  (for  the 
present)  be  safe — get  in  our  way — then  it  is  utter 
annihilation.  {Leaning  forward  persuasively) 
Come,  listen  to  my  kultured  reason;  forget  this 
"scrap  of  paper"  and  stand  aside,  or,  by  my  soul, 
you  will  take  the  consequences! 

BELLONA 

{Gazing  in  horror  but  drawing  himself  proudly 
and  placing  his  hand  on  his  sword)  Never!  Never! 
/  would  rather  lose  my  life  than  my  Honor!  My 
people  and  I  will  withstand  you  with  our  last 
breath!  {Turns  and  marches  away,  courage  and 
strength  in  every  line  of  his  figure — exit.) 

FRANKINSTEIN 

{With  a  shrug  of  his  shoulders)  As  you  will. 
{Turning  to  War)  Wipe  them  out!  Demolish 
their  buildings — kill  their  women  and  children. 
They  shall  not  live  that  scorn  me.  {Exit  War) 
Why  does  he  not  fear  me?  What  is  this  Honor 
that  he  prates  of  ?  He  shall  beg  mercy  on  his  knees 
before  I've  finished  with  him.  {Walks  towards 
back  of  stage  and  gazes  away  into  distance)  Ah! 
They  have  begun!  {Laughs)  I  have  struck  when 
least  expected.  Like  the  virgins  with  their  un- 
trimmed  lamps — they  are  not  ready.  I  must  go  near- 
er— I  have  lived  for  this  day — I  have  worked  for 
this  day — and  now  it  has  come  and  I  shall  surely 
reap  what  I  have  sown.     {Exit) 

CURTAIN 


ACT  I 


19 


(Short  interval) 

Curtain  rises  on  same  scene — it  is  almost  dark — 
just  a  glimmer  of  light  on  the  rock  in  center  of 
stage  at  back — shoiving  dim  and  tragic — a  broken 
cross  with  the  form  of  Peace  bound  on  it — the 
light  fades  away,  leaving  darkness — there  is  a  sound 
of  sobbing. 


CURTAIN 


ACT  II 

Scene.  An  Oriental  appearing  court.  A  Sphinx, 
representing  Time — Sands  stretching  away  to 
horizon  which  is  red  with  flames  of  destruction, 
A  low  balustrade  overlooking  desert.  Large 
pillars  round  court — a  seat  by  pillar  L.  2, 
Large  globe  of  the  world  by  seat, 

A  very  distant  band  playing  ^^Tipperary** 
as  the  curtain  rises.  Discovered:  Bellona 
standing  by  balustrade,  wounded  arm  in  sling 
— Albion  on  seat  with  Columbia — Indiana 
and  Astra  grouped  round.  Rezia  standing 
moodily  gazing  across  the  desert  R.  2,  Savias 
sitting  near  him.  Florus  L.  3,  facing  stage, 
Janoah  standing  R,  3,  watching  the  others. 

bellona 

{Gazing  towards  horizon)  My  people,  my  poor 
people!  Ah  God!  That  such  things  should  be! 
My  heart  aches  for  their  sorrows — what  have  they 
not  suffered!  And  there  is  yet  more  to  come. 
{Leans  over  balustrade)  My  country  is  destitute — 
ruined — but — we — fight  still!  {Drawing  himself 
up  proudly.) 

ALBION 

{Rising  and  going  up   to   Bellona  with   both 
hands  outstretched)    Courage,  brother!     We  shall 
20 


ACT  II  21 

not  cease  fighting  until  you  have  gained  your  rights 
— until  your  country  is  restored,  yea,  more  than  re- 
stored— your  people  comforted.  Our  hands  are 
open  to  your  people  and  our  land  shall  be  a  haven 
and  a  refuge  until  you  return  unto  your  ov^n.  Your 
rights  are  our  rights — your  Honor  is  our  honor. 

BELLONA 

{Accepting  Albion's  hands)  Albion,  indeed  I 
appreciate  your  help  and  sympathy — but  the  tears 
and  sorrows  of  my  innocent  people  are  overwhelm- 
ing. 

FLORUS 

You,  Bellona,  are  the  greatest  hero  of  these  times 
— great  in  every  sense  of  the  word — you  and  your 
people  have  saved  the  world — is  it  not  so  ?  ( Turn- 
ing to  the  others.) 

ALL. 

Indeed,  yes.    The  whole  world! 


ALBION 

More  than  true.  The  Day  came — we  were  not 
ready — and  you  held  the  great  machine  of  war  at 
bay  and  fought,  gaining  time  for  us — working  al- 
most a  miracle — upsetting  the  plans  and  pride  of 
the  Frankinstein.  And  with  your  people  dying  as 
martyrs — you  still  fought  on.  You  have  our  love, 
our  admiration  and  our  eternal  gratitude  and  there 
is  nothing  we  can  do  in  return  too  great. 


22        WEIGHED  IN  THE  BALANCE 

Rezia 

{Angrily  and  pointing  away  across  the  desert) 
See  those  flames?  They  shall  pay  for  this!  But 
we,  brothers,  are  to  blame  because  we  were  not 
ready — duped  by  lies  and  deceived  by  false  friendship 
— fools!  fools  all  of  us — with  one  exception  {bow- 
ing gracefully  to  Bellona).  Sire,  you  have  suf- 
fered, you  have  paid  the  price — 'tis  for  us  to  hold 
out  hands  of  help,,  sympathy  and  everlasting  grati- 
tude. 

{Enter  Frankinstein,  victory  in  every  line  of 
face  and  figure.) 

ALL 

You  intrude!     Why  dost  thou  come? 

V  FRANKINSTEIN 

{Laughing)   You  fear  me? 

{All  place  their  hands  on  their  swords  threaten- 
ingly.) 

ALBION 

{Stepping  forward)   Take  back  that  word! 

FRANKINSTEIN 

Have  patience!  Wait!  You  must  prove  the 
word  is  wrongly  used  and  then  I  will  retract. 
{Aside)  I  can  safely  promise  for  it  will  be  impossi- 
ble to  prove — besides,  what  is  a  promise!  {Turn- 
ing to  them  again)  Have  you  not  had  enough?  Ac- 
knowledge that  you  are  beaten.  'Tis  all  I  ask! 
{To  Bellona)  You  at  least  are  ruined  and  lost! 


ACT  II  23 

BELLONA 

(fVith  emphasis  and  looking  at  him  straightly) 
I,  at  least,  have  not  lost  my  soul! 

FRANKINSTEIN 

{With  an  angry  start)  Your  soul?  Bah!  If 
there  is  nothing  left  to  you  but  your  soul — why 
what  is  that  worth?     {Scornfully,) 

BELLONA 

You  can  hardly  understand,  having  sold  yours. 

FRANKINSTEIN 

{Blandly)  You  have  been  misinformed;  when  all 
is  finished  you  will  see  how  high  and  noble  has  been 
my  aim.  {Turning  to  all)  God  is  with  me.  He 
is  on  our  side.  Why  fight  against  us?  We  are 
too  strong  for  you.  {To  Florus)  You,  untrained 
and  weakened  by  long  years  of  selfish  womanhood 
and  frivolous  living — what  can  you  do  against  my 
perfect  machine? 

FLORUS 

Alas !  We  are  not  so  strong  as  we  should  be.  In 
numbers  having  deteriorated,  but — we  have  a  will 
and  a  spirit  unconquerable  and  with  these  our  good 
friends  {bowing  to  the  others)  we  may  prove  a 
harder  task  to  manage  than  you  expect. 

FRANKINSTEIN 

Not  so!  You  underestimate  my  strength  and 
power.     {Turning  to  Rezia)     And  you — bearlike 


24        WEIGHED  IN  THE  BALANCE 

— clumsy  and  slow — against  us  with  our  marvelous 
speed  and  trained  manoeuvring — you  have  no 
chance. 

REZIA 

{Speaking  rather  slowly)  There  is  a  fable  telling 
of  a  race  between  a  hare  and  a  tortoise.  {With 
hand  on  sword)  Your  insults  now  I  let  pass  for 
what  they  are  worth — so  much  air.  Time  will  tell. 
There  is  but  one  step  from  triumph  to  ruin. 

FRANKINSTEIN 

{Smiling  and  shrugging  his  shoulders)  I  have  no 
fear  of  my  ultimate  triumph.  {Then  turning  an- 
grily to  Albion)  You,  vile  enemy,  with  your  con- 
temptible little  army,  what  did  you  expect  to  ac- 
complish?   We  shall  brush  you  aside  as  flies! 

ALBION 

{Very  coolly  and  quietly)  We  expect  each  one  of 
us  to  do  his  duty — great  expectations — yes,  but  they 
will  be  fully  realized.  We  fight  for  Right  for  our 
country  and  for  God. 

FRANKINSTEIN 

{Scowling)  You  blundered  in  where  you  were 
not  wanted — could  not  you  wait  until  your  turn 
came?  But  it  matters  not,  for  soon  your  country 
will  be  as  destitute  as  Bellona's.  {Aside)  If  I  could 
have  crushed  Florus  first  and  then  Albion,  it  would 
have  been  easier!  {Sits  down  by  globe  and  looks  at 
it  lovingly.) 


ACT  II  25 

COLUMBIA 

(Placing  arm  around  Albion  affectionately)  We 
are  with  you  and  shall  give  to  you  our  best. 


INDIANA 

{Kneeling  and  taking  Albion's  hand)  You  have 
our  respect,  our  love  and  most  loyal  service. 


ASTRA 

{Putting  his  hand  on  Albion's  shoulder)  To  the 
end  wt  stand  together  and  in  our  united  strength 
wc  shall  vs^in  victory. 

ALBION 

{Returning  their  affectionate  demonstrations  and 
raising  Indiana  with  a  friendly  hand)  Your  vv^ords 
give  me  fresh  strength  and  courage;  my  love  and 
gratitude  you  have. 

FRANKINSTEIN 

{Fingering  globe  lovingly)  This  v^^ill  soon  be 
mine — all  mine!  Ah!  {Enter  messenger — salutes 
to  Frankinstein.) 

MESSENGER 

Sire!  Tw^o  more  churches  destroyed — many 
women  and  children  killed — also  another  ship  sunk 
— several  fishing  vessels  blown  up. 


26        WEIGHED  IN  THE  BALANCE 


FRANKINSTEIN 

{Turning  and  smiling)  Ah!  'Tis  good  news! 
And  proof  of  my  strength  and  power.  I  must  be- 
stow more  iron  crosses  on  these  my  good  servants 
for  their  most  excellent  work.     {Exit  Messenger.) 


REZIA 

An  iron  cross!  Methinks  that  a  wooden  one 
with  spikes  is  what  they  need !  Barbarians  that  they 
are! 

FLORUS 

With  every  innocent  life  thus  cruelly  destroyed 
— the  Christ  is  crucified  anew.     God  have  pity! 


FRANKINSTEIN 

{Aside)  Our  troops  must  achieve  victory.  What 
else  matters?  {Turning  to  all)  It  is  not  finished! 
There  is  much  more  to  come.  I  give  you  warning 
— you  will  pray  to  me  for  Peace  at  any  terms  be- 
fore many  days  have  passed.  Eagles  do  not  bring 
forth  pigeons!  'Tis  war  to  the  Death!  Thanks 
be  to  God! 

ALBION 

Having  drawn  the  sword  for  a  just  and  worthy 
cause,  we  cannot  lay  down  the  sword  until  by  the 
vindication  of  that  cause  Peace  is  assured.  {Turn- 
ing to  all)  Friends — for  us  'tis — either  to  die  or 
conquer  ? 


ACT  II  27 


REZIA 


Either  to  die — or  conquer!     Let  justice  be  done 
-though  the  heavens  should  fall  in! 


ALL 

{Joining  hands)  We  are  united — we  are  fighting 
for  justice — for  freedom,  for  Peace  and  for  our 
women  and  children.     Right  shall  conquer  Might. 

FRANKINSTEIN 

{Smiling  in  calm  self-confidence)  And  /  am  fight- 
ing for  Power  and  Might.  We'll  see  {with  em- 
phasis) which  is  the  stronger.  Might  is  Right. 
{Turns  and  exits  slowly  and  repeating  emphatic- 
ally)  Might  is  Right.     {Exits.) 

{All  watch  him — on  each  face  there  is  determi- 
nation but  without  the  confidence — a  grim  deter- 
mination and  a  holding  together.) 

CURTAIN 


ACT  III 

Scene.  Same  as  Scene  2.  Night  time.  Stage  al- 
most  dark.  A  pale  light  where  the  globe  of 
the  world  is.  Enter  Frankinstein,  followed 
by  War. 

FRANKINSTEIN 

{Walking  up  to  globe  and  then  turning  to  War) 
Is  all  well? 

WAR 

All  is  well.  The  harvest  is  great  and  my  hands 
are  full. 

FRANKINSTEIN 

Return  to  your  duties.  Do  not  cease  in  your 
work  of  destruction,  although  'tis  night  time. 
When  day  breaks  I  will  come  and  review  the  re- 
sults of  your  labour.    Go!     {Exit  War.) 

FRANKINSTEIN  sits  down  on  seat — looks  at  globe, 
touches  it  lingeringly — it  seems  to  glow  with  a  lurid 
flame  as  he  touches  it — it  grows  darker — a  distant 
bell  tolls.  He  leans  back  against  the  pillar — sud- 
denly a  misty  light  appears  in  corner  R.  U. — dimly 
two  figures  are  seen  and  the  broken  cross  with 
Peace  lying — Frankinstein  gazes  in  a  dreamy 
manner  at  the  indistinct  group. 
28 


ACT  III  29 

FIRST   SPIRIT 


Peace  is  dying. 


SECOND   SPIRIT 

Ah,  what  can  we  do? 

FIRST  SPIRIT 

(Sadly)  Nothing,  I  fear. 

SECOND   SPIRIT 

Cannot  we  plead  with  him  who  holds  the  torch 
to  the  fires  of  strife? 

FIRST   SPIRIT 

Pleadings  will  have  no  avail.  What  cares  he 
for  the  passing  aw^ay  of  Peace  ?  He  who  has  caused 
the  death  of  thousands  of  women  and  children? 

SECOND   SPIRIT 

Perchance  I  can  touch  his  heart.  Now  it  is  night 
time,  surely  his  desires  and  passions  are  dormant — I 
will  try. 

FIRST   SPIRIT 

(Weeping)  He  is  adamant.  One  aim  and  object 
only — worldly  power — but  draw  near  and  see  if 
thou  can'st  penetrate  his  armour  of  self  sufficiency. 

SECOND  SPIRIT 

(Drawing  near  to  Frankinstein^  who  stares  at 
her  in  a  puzzled  way)  Have  you  not  had  your  fill 


so       WEIGHED  IN  THE  BALANCE 

of  war  and  bloodshed?  {Pleadingly)  Will  you  not 
stay  your  hand  and  make  this  turmoil  cease?  {Holds 
up  her  hand)  Listen — do  you  hear  the  cry  of  the 
children  above  the  roar  of  guns  and  deafening  noise 
of  bombs? 

FRANKINSTEIN 

The  cry  of  the  children  is  but  one  of  the  essen- 
tials of  war. 

SECOND   SPIRIT 

Oh,  is  your  heart  so  hard  that  you  do  not  feel 
the  misery  you  are  causing?  Peace  lies  dying — dy- 
ing— you  can,  if  you  will — save  her.  {Waits  with 
drawn  breath  for  his  answer.) 

FRANKINSTEIN 

I  cannot  save  her.  I  do  not  wish  her  saved  until 
my  goal  is  reached. 

SECOND   SPIRIT 

What  is  your  goal?  Is  it  worth  the  sacrifice 
of  so  many  lives? 

FRANKINSTEIN 

{Thoughtfully)  My  goal  is  the  world — see — 
{taking  hold  of  globe)  I  already  hold  it  in  my 
hands.  {Emphatically  and  with  strength)  It  shall 
be  under  my  feet  when  I  have  finished. 

SECOND  SPIRIT 

{Bitterly)  You  are  indeed  laying  up  for  your- 
self treasure  on  earth.  Does  Heaven  or  God  come 
into  your  calculation? 


ACT  III  31 

FRANKINSTEIN 

God  is  with  me.  It  is  with  His  help  that  I  shall 
conquer. 

SECOND   SPIRIT 

God  sacrificed  His  own  son  to  save  the  world — 
and  now  is  He  going  to  hand  it  over  to  you  to  de- 
stroy ? 

FRANKINSTEIN 

{Puzzled)  I  shall  not  destroy  it;  I  shall  only 
conquer  it. 

SECOND  SPIRIT 

You  are  destroying  it.  Can  you  not  see  your 
handiwork — destruction  and  death — bloodshed  and 
misery  ? 

FRANKINSTEIN 

I  am  not  to  blame  for  the  death  and  misery.  It 
is  the  world's  own  fault  that  she  sufEers.  I  have 
strength,  power  and  kultur  and  yet  {impatiently) 
she  will  not  admit  my  omnipotence — she  will  not 
acknowledge  me  absolute  monarch.  She  rises 
against  me  and  pits  her  feeble  strength  against 
mine  and,  like  a  moth  fluttering  round  a  candle, 
she  burns  herself.  {Blandly)  The  world  is  stu- 
pidly— blindly  destroying  herself  in  the  flame  of 
my  vital  strength  and  power. 

SECOND   SPIRIT 

Many  fluttering  wings  sometimes  put  out  the 
candle  flame. 


32        WEIGHED  IN  THE  BALANCE 

FRANKINSTEIN 

I  shall  not  go  out  until  I  have  won  success. 

SECOND   SPIRIT 

{Passionately)  Oh,  it  is  not  worth  it — it  is  not 
worth  it.  To  win  success  at  so  great  a  cost — is  low 
failure. 

FRANKINSTEIN 

{With  a  laugh)  To  win  success  is  failure — how 
can  that  be? 

SECOND   SPIRIT 

Your  aim,  you  say,  is  to  gain  the  world — if  in  so 
doing  you  lose  your  own  soul — is  that  success?  If 
in  so  doing  you  destroy  life  after  life,  killing  and 
cutting  your  way  ruthlessly  through  to  reach  your 
goal — is  that  success? 

FRANKINSTEIN 

According  to  my  reasoning — the  harder  the  way 
— the  greater  the  success. 

SECOND   SPIRIT 

{Aside)  Oh,  how  can  I  reach  him?  Has  he  no 
divine  spark  of  intelligence — is  it  all  reason  without 
soul — matter  without  spirit  that  I  have  to  plead 
with?  {Turning  to  Frankinstein )  Oh,  give  up 
your  ambition — send  War  away  and  give  Peace 
life  once  more. 


ACT  III  33 


FRANKINSTEIN 


Is  It  possible  {sarcastically)  that  you  are  asking 
me  to  givt  up  the  aim  and  object  of  my  whole  life, 
merely  to  bring  Peace  back  to  reign  over  the  world  ? 


SECOND   SPIRIT 


Am  I  asking  too  much?  Look  round  you;  see 
what  awful  desolation  War  has  caused  and  what 
have  you  gained  by  it? 


FRANKINSTEIN 


If  I  gave  up  now^ — what  would  the  world  think 
of  me  and  how  would  my  people  judge  me — I  who 
promised  them  so  much  ? 


SECOND   SPIRIT 


Why  should  you  consider  the  value  of  a  promise 
— you  have  already  violated  your  word. 


FRANKINSTEIN 


Ah^  that  was  different.  The  treaty  to  which  you 
refer,  'twas  against  my  interests  to  hold — in  fact, 
the  only  obvious  course  was  to  destroy  it  in  order 
to  keep  my  promise  of  victory  to  my  people. 


SECOND   SPIRIT 


But  you  have  failed — cannot  you  see  that  defeat 
lies  before  you? 


34        WEIGHED  IN  THE  BALANCE 


FRANKINSTEIN 


{Angrily)   Defeated?     Never!     It  is  impossible. 
It  is  only  a  question  of  time. 


SECOND   SPIRIT 

( Very  bitterly)  And  of  a  few  thousand  more  lives, 
{Sternly)  Is  it  nothing  to  you  that  the  whole 
world  struggles  in  agony?  Is  it  nothing  to  you 
that  the  cry  of  innocent  children  and  weary  heart- 
broken women  rises  without  ceasing  to  the  Heavens? 
Is  it  nothing  to  you  that  your  ways  and  methods 
of  warfare  are  diabolical  and  utterly  contrary  to  all 
the  national  laws  of  the  world  ? 


FRANKINSTEIN 

As  long  as  Victory  is  achieved  by  me,  what  does 
all  that  matter?  They  are  merely  paths  leading  to 
the  end  and  that  end  will  be  triumph  for  me. 

SECOND   SPIRIT 

{Turning  away  and  hiding  her  face  in  her  hands) 
Ah,  I  can  do  nothing — nothing.  {Glides  away 
towards  R.  U.  Darkness  falls  over  the  entire  stage, 
except  a  pale  light  where  Frankinstein  sits — he 
stares  towards  R.  U.j  sees  nothing.  Slowly  the 
darkness  lifts.) 

FRANKINSTEIN 

{Slowly)  It  must  have  been  a  dream — and  yet 
{looks  round  fearfully) — I  surely  heard  voices — 


ACT  III  35 

(it  slowly  gets  lighter — day  is  breaking;  again 
Frankinstein  gazes  towards  R.  U. — nothing  is  there; 
he  springs  up  and  shakes  off  his  fear) .  Bah ! — 'twas 
but  a  dream,  gone  with  the  light  of  day.  All  is 
well — Victory  lies  before  me,  but  {with  a  sinister 
smile)  I  must  show  my  powers  by  greater  horrors 
and  bring  my  enemies  to  their  knees  {walks  towards 
L.  2,),  I  will  yet  strike  deep  and  break  proud 
Albion's  heart,  and  when  I  succeed  there  will  be 
great   rejoicing — great   rejoicing    {exit  smiling), 

CURTAIN 


ACT  IV 

A  period  of  two  years  is  supposed  to  elapse 
between  Acts  III  and  IV. 

Italy  should  be  represented  in  the  last  scene, 
with  any  other  nation  that  enters  the  war  to- 
wards the  end. 

Scene.     Same  as  Scene  i. 

Enter  Frankinstein — has  lost  his  proud  bear- 
ing— looks  gloomy  and  afraid — followed  closely 
by   War. 

FRANKINSTEIN 

What  means  this?  My  people  are  complaining — 
my  soldiers  losing  and  dying  in  thousands.  My  in- 
vincible machine  is  being  turned  back  by  Albion's 
contemptible  little  army  and  the  soldiers  of  Florus 
are  fighting  with  hateful  bravery  and  even 
Rezia — though  slow  seems  horribly  sure!  {Looks 
round  as  if  scared  of  shadows)  I  am  laughed  at, 
jeered  at  and  though  destruction  and  bloodshed  have 
gone  before  me^  still  they  show  no  fear.  Still  they 
hold  together!  My  legions  of  spies  have  failed  to 
make  discord — all  the  world  dares  to  judge  and 
condemn  me,  the  omnipotent!  {Turning  wildly  to 
War)  Why  is.it?  You  have  not  done  enough! 
{Hesitates)  And  yet — the  horrors  I  have  contrived 
36 


ACT  IV  37 

have  almost  overwhelmed  even  me.  What  fresh 
deeds  can  I  discover  to  awe  the  world?  Why  is  it 
not  mine?  And  why  are  the  nations  not  shaking  in 
fear  of  me?  {Slowly  and  in  fear  considering)  Can 
there  be  some  force  in  the  world  stronger  than 
Might?  Is  there  anything  more  powerful  than 
hate? 

VOICE 

Right  is  stronger  than  Might!  Love  is  more 
powerful  than  Hate! 

FRANKINSTEIN 

{With  a  start  and  shrinking  in  horror)  Ah! 
What  was — that?  {Enter  Priest — ragged  and 
worn  but  strong.) 

PRIEST 

{Sternly)  Right  is  stronger  than  Might — Love  is 
more  powerful  than  Hate!  What  have  you  done 
to  God's  people  and  His  sacred  buildings?  What 
horrible  desecration  have  you  performed  in  the  name 
of  God? 

FRANKINSTEIN 

I  am  not  to  blame!  They  were  obstinate  and 
refused  to  do  me  homage.  I  had  to  strike  fear  into 
their  hearts — it  was  the  only  way. 


PRIEST 

Coward!     Your  excuses  but  implicate  you  more 
deeply.     Are  you  not  brave  enough  to  confess  that 


38        WEIGHED  IN  THE  BALANCE 

you  are  to  blame?  How  dare  you  make  yourself 
equal  to  God  and  as  His  representative  tear  down 
His  buildings  and  confiscate  His  treasures!  What 
you  will  have  to  answer  for  in  the  last  great  tribunal 
will  be  more  than  mortal  man  can  face.  The  con- 
sequences of  your  deeds  will  reach  far  beyond  your 
earthly  life.  Repent  and,  if  you  carij  undo  one- 
millionth  part  of  all  the  evil  you  have  wrought! 

FRANKINSTEIN 

(Angrily)  Away  from  me!  Leave  me  in  Peace! 
{Blandly)  Your  intellect  is  limited,  your  ideas  me- 
diseval!  I  am  kultured  and  advanced  and  act  ac- 
cordingly.   You  cannot  understand ! 

PRIEST 

{Making  the  sign  of  the  cross  from  which 
Frankinstein  shrinks  and  War  draws  away  and 
hides  his  face)  God  save  the  world  and  purge  it 
through  its  awful  tribulation!      {Exits.) 

FRANKINSTEIN 

{To  War)  Go,  spread  the  reports  that  I  did 
not  start  this  war.  It  was  forced  on  me !  I  fought 
in  self  defence  and  for  my  country.  Let  Justice 
judge  and  prove  me  innocent!  Quick!  Away! 
{Exit  War.) 

{Enter  Woman — ragged,  torn  and  weary  with  a 
baby), 

FRANKINSTEIN 

(Starts  and  stares  at  her)  Who — who  are — you? 


ACT  IV  39 

WOMAN 

{Drawing  near  and  pointing  tragically)  Where 
are  our  sons?  You  commanded  us  to  wed — to  give 
men  to  you — what  have  you  done  with  them?  I 
see  blood!  blood!  blood!  I  see  corpses  covering 
fields,  ditches  and  plains — and  oh !  the  horror  of  it ! 
We  have  no  food  and  our  children  are  gone — de- 
molished by  your  diabolical  machine. 

FRANKINSTEIN 

{Wrapping  his  cloak  round  him  and  preparing  to 
slink  away)  What  are  a  few  lives  lost  in  a  great 
cause?     I  cannot  help  it! 

WOMAN 

Stay !  You  shall  hear  my  words  and  they  shall  be 
as  a  blot  on  your  memory  for  ever !  We  have  worked 
for  you — slaved  for  you — bred  sons  for  you — 
starved  for  you !  What  have  you  done  for  us  ?  You 
took  our  sons — our  children — our  husbands — you 
talked  of  glory — of  victory — of  prizes — Iron  Crosses 
are  the  only  prizes  you  give — Iron  Crosses  and 
broken  hearts — spoilt  lives  and  the  eternal  hatred  of 
a  justly  indignant  world.  Our  country  is  ruined 
— our  trade  spoilt — our  heritage — humiliation.  You, 
who  were  first  among  all  the  nations  in  Art,  in 
Science,  in  Music — admired  and  respected — you 
have  thrown  away  your  birthright — sold  your  soul 
— for  what?  {Weeps  and  clasping  her  baby,  turns 
to  go )  Most  miserable  man !  And  we — we  women 
have  to  pay  the  price!     {Exits,  weeping.) 


40        WEIGHED  IN  THE  BALANCE 

FRANKINSTEIN 

God!  What  is  this?  Why  have  I  not  won? 
{Hurriedly  and  desperately)  There  is  still  time! 
What  matters  it  a  few  lives  lost  if  the  ultimate 
gain  is  Victory  and  Conquest  for  me!  I  must  again 
demand  help  from  my  God.  It  is  decreed  that  we 
shall  win.  This  is  merely  a  delay — a  test  of  my 
courage.     Where  is  my  God?     {Enter  War.) 

WAR 

{Striding  forward)  You  called  me? 

FRANKINSTEIN 

{Impatiently)  I  called  on  God  to  help  me — not 
you.     Stand  aside  and  await  my  commands. 

WAR 

( Throwing  aside  his  cloak  and  revealing  himself 
as  the  Devil)   I — /  am  thy  God! 

FRANKINSTEIN 

{Starting  back  with  a  cry  of  horror  and  awful 
fright)  Thou!  Thou — art  my — God?  Avaunt! 
Evil  one!     I  know  you  not! 

WAR 

{Bowing  and  smiling)  I  am  the  God  to  whom 
thou  hast  prayed — implored  help  from — worked 
with.    From  your  cradle  you  have  held  the  thought 


ACT  IV  41 

of  hate  in  your  heart — The  Great  God  Almighty — 
the  God  of  Love — is  He  also  the  God  of  Hate, 
think  you?  You  have  worked  and  lived  for  the 
Day  w^hen  you  could  crush  your  enemies  and  reign 
supreme,  feared  by  all.  Your  spies  are  spread  over 
all  the  w^orld  w^ith  commands  to  sow  discord — cause 
quarrels  to  result  in  war.  These  are  the  ways  of 
the  Devil — they  are  not  the  ways  of  God.  You 
seem  to  have  amalgamated  the  two  personalities^ 
creating  a  god  of  your  own  imaging  and  with  a 
heart  full  of  hatred,  calling  on  Him  to  help  you 
to  do  evil  deeds.  The  God  of  the  Christians  is  on 
the  side  of  the  opprest  and  afflicted — He  is  on  the 
side  of  truth  and  with  those  who  hold  honor  and 
love  above  lies,  hatred  and  death.  / — I  am  your 
God  in  deed  and  in  truth  (or  lies!).  What  now 
are  your  commands? 

FRANKINSTEIN 

{Terror  struck)  Leave  me — I — ^will — call  Peace 
— I  have  finished  with  thee — Begone ! 

WAR 

Not  so !  It  will  not  be  so  easy  to  get  rid  of  me ! 
You  have  held  me  too  close  for  so  long — the  hopes 
of  your  life  time,  you  centered  in  me.  Now  I  stay. 
And  Peace,  whom  you  drove  from  you,  cannot  re- 
turn while  I  am  with  you. 

FRANKINSTEIN 

{Getting  desperate  and  making  about  to  depart) 
Then,  I  shall  leave  you — and  call  Peace  to  me! 


42        WEIGHED  IN  THE  BALANCE 


WAR 

{Smiling  scornfully)  Not  so!  Wherever  you 
go — I  go  also.  We  are  inseparable.  True  Peace 
can  never  return  to  you.  {Placing  his  hand  firmly 
on  Frankinstein's  shoulder)  Come!  You  have 
made  me  such  a  powerful  factor  in  your  life  that 
I  have  become  too  strong  for  you  to  control.  I 
am  your  master  now! 

FRANKINSTEIN 

{Shuddering  and  drawing  from  him)  At  least 
my  enemies  are  also  under  your  power! 

WAR 

Alas!  No.  When  we  go,  we  shall  leave  Peace 
behind  us — it  is  so  decreed.  Come!  Whither 
shall  we  go  together  ?  (  Frankinstein  groans  and 
handles  his  sword)  Stay  your  hand,  you  can  do  no 
further  harm  with  your  sword.  {Sound  of  ''Tip- 
perary"  in  distance — drawing  nearer — they  both  lis- 
ten.) 

FRANKINSTEIN 

{Wrapping  his  cloak  round  him  and  drawing  to 
one  side  as  if  he  wanted  to  hide.)  Ah!  That  cursed 
tune! 

{Enter  Justicia  carrying  large  scales — walks 
to  center  of  stage  in  front  of  rock — places  scales 
in  front  of  him — from  all  the  different  entrances 
come  the  Nations — form  a  semi-circle  round  back 
of  stage — each  side  of  JuSTiclA. 


ACT  IV  43 


FRANKINSTEIN 

(Aside)  I  Stand  alone!  Where  are  my  friends? 
(Stepping  forward  and  appealing  to  Justicia)  I 
demand  Justice! 

JUSTICIA 

Justice^  you  shall  have. 

FLOKUS 

{Stepping  a  little  way  forward)  He  has  destroyed 
Peace  and  brought  War  to  reign  over  the  whole 
world. 

JUSTICIA 

{To  Frankinstein)  What  is  your  answer  to 
this  accusation? 

FRANKINSTEIN 

I  neither  started  the  War  nor  did  I  wish  for  it. 
If  I  had  been  acknowledged  lord  of  all,  I  would 
have  reigned  in  Peace. 

JUSTICIA 

Your  very  words  condemn  you. 

BELLONA 

{Stepping  forward)  He  has  killed  old  men  and 
children  and  demolished  churches  and  committed 
sacrilege,  violating  his  word  and  promise  by  break- 
ing Treaties. 


44        WEIGHED  IN  THE  BALANCE 

JUSTICIA 

And  to  this,  your  reply? 

FRANKINSTEIN 

They  defied  me — ME!  They  were  obstructing 
my  way — I  had  to  put  fear  into  my  enemies'  hearts 
in  order  to  conquer.  I  was  not  to  blame.  As  to 
Treaties — what  are  they  but  paper!  In  a  time  like 
this  nothing  counts  but  strength  and  power. 

JUSTICIA 

Your  excuses  are  futile  and  your  reasoning  con- 
tradictory. 

ALBION 

He  attacked  and  destroyed  unfortified  villages — 
causing  the  death  of  many  innocent  people. 

FRANKINSTEIN 

I  had  to  show  my  people  my  power  and  my 
strength  to  keep  their  respect  and  confidence.  It 
was  the  only  way. 

REZIA 

He  fired  on  Red  Cross  wagons  and  hospitals. 

FRANKINSTEIN 

They  got  in  the  way — how  could  I  help  that? 


ACT  IV  45 

JANOAH 

He  caused  the  destruction  of  defenceless  vessels 
and — without  warning — the  death  of  innocent 
women  and  children. 

FRANKINSTEIN 

Why  did  they  not  keep  out  of  the  War  Zone? 

JUSTICIA 

Was  there  any  limit  to  your  War  Zone?  Did 
it  not  extend  somewhat  over  the  legitimate  extent 
of  the  warring  nations  on  sea? 

FRANKINSTEIN 

{Angrily)  Why  should  there  be  a  limit? 

JUSTICIA 

{Smiling)  Your  War  Zone  then  had  no  limit. 
Each  answer  you  make  but  implicates  you  deeper 
in  guilt. 

SAVIAS 

He  has  violated  all  laws  of  War — his  only  the- 
ory being  to  strike  terror  at  any  cost.  And  it  has 
cost  him — his  honour  and  the  world,  thousands  of 
innocent  lives. 

FRANKINSTEIN 

{Aside)  Honour!  That  word  again!  Does 
Honour  count? 


46        WEIGHED  IN  THE  BALANCE 

JUSTICIA 

Your  answer  to  these  accusations  ? 

FRANKINSTEIN 

{Folding  his  arms  and  facing  them  boldly)  I  am 
innocent. 

JUSTICIA 

{To  all)  The  Verdict? 


Guilty. 


ALL 


FRANKINSTEIN 
{With  horror)  Ah! 

JUSTICIA 

I  endorse  the  verdict — yet  I  will  test  you  still  fur- 
ther—  {Takes  out  of  scales  several  cubes  each 
marked  with  a  different  virtue)  Here  is  Honour — 
{Holding  up  cube  marked  Honour)  I  will  place  it 
on  one  scale  while  you  stand  on  the  other.  'Tis  said 
that  you  have  no  honour.  {Places  cube  on  one  scale 
and  points  to  the  other — Frankinstein  proudly 
steps  on.  The  scale  holding  Honour  remains  on 
ground — that  holding  Frankinstein  rises  slowly 
from  the  ground.) 

ALL 

Ah!  See — he  is  surely  wanting  in  honour! 
(Frankinstein  scowls  at  Justicia,  who  lets  down 
the  scales.) 


ACT  IV  47 

JUSTICIA 

I  will  now  place  Truth  on  and  see  if  you  can  bal- 
ance with  that.  {Takes  Honour  from  scale  and 
puts  on  cube  marked  Truth — slowly  the  side  with 
Frankinstein  rises — all  watch  intently.) 

FRANKINSTEIN 

The  scales  are  false — this  is  judgment  and  no 
mercy ! 

JUSTICIA 

Did  you  show  mercy  to  even  the  children  and 
women  of  your  enemies?  With  what  mercy  you 
mete — it  shall  be  meted  to  you  again.  {Lets  down 
the  scales  and  removes  Truth)  There  is  yet  one  vir- 
tue which,  if  you  have  it,  may  redeem  many  vices.  I 
will  place  Love  which  covers  a  multitude  of  sins — 
perchance  you  possess  some.  {Places  Love  on  scales.) 

FLORUS 

Can  a  nation  whose  motive  word  is  'Hate,'  also 
interpret  the  value  of  'Love'  ?  ( This  time  Frank- 
instein rises  higher  still.) 

JUSTICIA 

{Letting  down  the  scales)  It  is  enough.  Weighed 
in  the  balance,  you  are  in  deed  and  in  truth — found 
wanting.  {Turning  to  the  others)  Brothers,  in  or- 
der to  preserve  Universal  Peace,  we  must  banish 
the  Spirit  of  Militarism    {pointing  to   Frankin- 


48        WEIGHED  IN  THE  BALANCE 

stein)  from  our  midst.  War  is  exposed  before  us 
in  its  real  form — {pointing  to  War)  as  the  Devil 
— the  embodiment  of  the  military  spirit.  No  longer 
will  we  rule  our  world  with  Might  and  Force,  but 
with  that  which  is  stronger  than  Might — {Speaking 
in  ringing  voice)  Right  is  stronger  than  Might — 
Love  is  more  powerful  than  Hate.  And  with  Right 
and  Justice  shall  we  rule  our  world.  {Turning  to 
Frankinstein)  Go.  Rid  the  world  of  your  pres- 
ence and  let  War  and  Discord  cease  to  be. 

REZIA 

Brother,  he  should  receive  punishment. 

JUSTICIA 

There  is  no  such  thing  as  Punishment  in  the  laws 
of  the  Universal  world  of  Right  and  Wrong.  As  a 
man  sows,  that  shall  he  reap.  In  this  life  has  he 
sown  seeds  and  verily  he  will  reap  what  he  has 
sown.  Every  thought  of  Hate — every  act  of  hatred 
will  bring  forth  a  train  of  consequences,  carried 
through  this  life  into  many,  many  others.  Leave 
him  to  the  Almighty  Power  who  made  the  laws — 
to  Him  alone  shall  he  answer  for  the  stupendous 
wrong  he  has  done.     {To  Frankinstein)  Go. 

WAR 

{Pointing  away  into  distance)  Come — we  have 
lost.  (Frankinstein  hesitates — seems  about  to 
speak,  then  turns  and  with  bowed  head  slinks  out 
of  sight,  followed  by  War — as  they  disappear,  from 


ACT  IV  '  49 

another  entrance  enters  the  New  Germany  in  the 
form  of  a  woman — the  others  salute  her  and  make 
room  for  her  in  the  circle — softly  and  far  away  is 
heard  the  German  National  anthem — like  an  echo 
it  dies  away  as  Justicia  steps  back  and  they  all  di- 
vide, leaving  rock  clear  in  center — a  bright  light 
shows  behind  rock — all  rest  their  hands  on  each  oth- 
er s  shoulders,  showing  unity  of  purpose.) 


ALL 

With  Right  and  Justice  shall  we  rule  the  world 
and  so  keep  the  Universal  Peace. 


JUSTICIA 

{The  light  behind  rock  growing  brighter)  See, 
Brothers,  Peace  is  rising!  {Orchestra  plays  softly 
— ''I  know  that  my  Redeemer  liveth."  The  form 
of  Peace  is  seeft  above  the  rock — she  steps  up  and 
stands  on  summit  in  a  bright  light — all  place  their 
hands  on  szvords — there  is  a  loud  cheer — Peace  looks 
down  on  the  Nations  and  smiles  and  as  she  smiles  all 
together  draw  their  swords  and  wave  them  with  a 
flourish  towards  her  and  each  sword  unfolds  itself 
as  a  flag,  each  Nation  waving  its  own  flag — music 
dissolves  into  the  National  anthems  blended  and 
then  into  "Tipperary" — all  sing 

It's  a  long,  long  war  that  we  have  fought  through 

And  the  Price  was  high  to  pay. 
Through  awful  tribulations  we've  struggled, 

But  at  last  we've  won  the  Way. 


50       WEIGHED  IN  THE  BALANCE 

It's  a  long,  long  list  of  noble  heroes 

Who  have  gladly  died  to  gain 
Victory  for  the  Nations  who  have  conquered 

And  brought  Eternal  Peace  to  reign. 

CURTAIN 


UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  LIBRARY 
BERKELEY 


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expiration  of  loan  period.  


DEC  8  1918 


507n-7.'16 


^^ 


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re  31720 


